You know that feeling when you finally upgrade to a shiny new TV, but then you're stuck staring at the old one collecting dust in the corner? Yeah, been there. Last year when I replaced my 10-year-old plasma, I spent weeks researching what to do with old TVs before finding the perfect solution. Turns out most people have no clue how to properly handle this, which is why I'm sharing everything I learned.
First Thing's First: Can Your TV Still Work?
Before deciding what to do with your old television, honestly assess its condition. Plug it in and check:
- Picture quality (any dead pixels, color distortion, or flickering?)
- Sound functionality (crackling audio or complete silence?)
- Ports & connectivity (do HDMI/USB ports work?)
I learned this the hard way when I tried donating a TV with hidden screen burn-in. The charity couldn't use it, and I had to haul it back home.
Quick Tip: If your TV powers on but has minor issues, repair costs often exceed its value. My neighbor spent $150 fixing a TV worth $50 - not smart.
Selling Your Old TV: Get Cash in Your Pocket
If your TV is in decent shape, selling is absolutely worth considering. But fair warning: TV values drop faster than your phone battery.
Where to Sell for Maximum Profit
| Platform | Best For | Pricing Reality Check | Effort Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Facebook Marketplace | Local sales, quick turnover | Expect 20-40% of original price | ⭐⭐⭐ (moderate) |
| eBay | Rare/vintage models | Shipping costs kill profits | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (high) |
| Craigslist | Older models | Serious lowballers | ⭐⭐⭐ (moderate) |
| Pawn Shops | Instant cash TODAY | Rock-bottom offers (I got $15 for a 32"!) | ⭐ (low) |
Setting a Realistic Price
Forget what you paid initially. Check recently sold identical models on eBay and deduct 10% annually. Here's a brutal truth: that 5-year-old 55" TV you bought for $800? Lucky to get $100 now.
Protect Yourself When Selling: Always meet buyers in public spaces. I bring a friend after a sketchy encounter last year. And never ship before payment clears - learned that lesson with a "fake PayPal" email scam.
Donating Your TV: When Selling Isn't Worth It
If your TV works but isn't worth selling, donation is golden. But not every charity takes TVs anymore due to disposal costs.
Reliable Places That Actually Want TVs
- Goodwill (Call first! Some locations stopped accepting TVs)
- Salvation Army (They schedule free pickups in many areas)
- Habitat for Humanity ReStores (My top choice - they resell to fund housing projects)
- Local shelters/churches (Smaller places often need functional TVs)
Remember to get a donation receipt! When I donated my parents' TV last spring, it knocked $75 off their taxes.
Important: Many charities now reject CRT (tube) TVs completely or charge fees. Always call ahead to avoid wasted trips. I drove 20 miles once only to be turned away.
TV Recycling: The Responsible Choice
This is where things get serious. Tossing TVs in regular trash is illegal in most states because they contain toxic materials like lead and mercury. Here's how to recycle right:
Free & Convenient Recycling Options
| Method | How It Works | Best For | Limitations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Retailer Take-Back | Stores like Best Buy take old TVs when you buy new ones | People upgrading TVs | Sometimes limited to same-size screens |
| Manufacturer Programs | Brands like Sony/Samsung offer mail-back recycling | Specific brand owners | Often requires original purchase proof |
| City Hazardous Waste | Municipal collection events (usually quarterly) | Non-working TVs | Limited dates/locations (check your city website) |
| E-Waste Facilities | Permanent drop-off centers | Urgent disposal needs | Some charge fees especially for CRTs |
That old tube TV hidden in your garage? Many recyclers charge $25-$50 to take it due to heavy leaded glass. I found this out the hard way.
Finding Local Recycling
Visit Earth911.com and enter "TV" + your ZIP code. Call the listed locations first - hours change constantly. My first attempt failed because they'd moved locations.
Creative Reuse: Unexpected Second Lives
Why dispose of your old television when you could transform it? These projects range from easy to expert-level:
Top 5 TV Transformation Ideas
- Convert to Smart TV: Stick a $30 Fire TV Stick into HDMI port (works great for bedrooms)
- DIY Retro Arcade: Install Raspberry Pi + emulator software (my quarantine project!)
- Pet Entertainment Station: Play bird/squirrel videos for cats (seriously, my cat watches for hours)
- Fish Tank Conversion: Remove electronics, seal interior, add aquarium equipment (requires serious crafting skills)
- Digital Photo Frame: Connect to old laptop running slideshow (grandparents love this)
Honestly, that arcade project took me three weekends and two fried circuit boards - but so worth it.
Safety Must-Do's Before Any TV Disposal
Overlook these at your peril:
- Factory Reset Smart TVs: Go to Settings > System > Reset (prevents streaming app hacking)
- Remove Personal Data: Log out of Netflix/Amazon/Hulu accounts manually (auto-reset doesn't always clear them)
- Cut Power Cords: Prevents scavengers from attempting dangerous repairs
Last year, a friend sold a TV without resetting it. The buyer accessed his Amazon account and ordered $200 worth of stuff!
What About Broken TVs?
If your TV won't power on or has physical damage:
| Type of Damage | Repair Viability | Recommended Action |
|---|---|---|
| Cracked Screen | ❌ Unrepairable (replacement costs exceed TV value) | Recycle immediately |
| Power Issues | ⚠️ Possible but tricky (could be $50 fuse or $200 board) | Get diagnostic quote first |
| Backlight Failure | ⚠️ Moderate difficulty (parts: $80-$150) | Only repair newer/high-end models |
| Minor Port Damage | ✅ Usually fixable ($20 HDMI port replacement) | Worth DIY if tech-savvy |
Unless it's a high-end recent model, repair costs rarely make sense. My rule: if repair exceeds 40% of replacement cost, recycle it.
Special Case: Handling CRT Tube TVs
Those bulky 90s relics contain 4-8 pounds of leaded glass. Options are shrinking:
- Recycling: Expect fees ($15-$50) - search "CRT recycling near me"
- Special Collection: Some cities offer annual CRT events
- Warning: Never disassemble yourself! Tube implosion risk is real
I helped move a 36" Sony Trinitron last year - thing weighed 200 pounds! Paid $35 to recycle it at our county facility.
FAQ: Your Top Questions Answered
Q: Can I put my old TV in the regular trash?
A: Absolutely not illegal in 48 states! Fines can reach $10,000 in some areas. Always recycle.
Q: Do charities pick up TV donations?
A: Some do (Salvation Army usually does if it's working), but always confirm first. Many stopped due to disposal costs.
Q: How much is my old TV worth?
A: Check eBay "sold" listings for your exact model. Generally: under 5 years old = 20-40% original price, over 5 years = $0-$50 unless rare.
Q: Is TV recycling free?
A: Sometimes at city events or retailer take-backs. Private recyclers usually charge $10-$50, especially for CRTs.
Q: What's the easiest disposal method?
A: If buying new: retailer take-back. Otherwise: schedule Salvation Army pickup (if working) or drop at Best Buy ($30 fee for non-customers).
Decision Guide: What Should YOU Do?
Still stuck? Use this quick reference:
| TV Condition | Recommended Action | Effort Level | Cost Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Works perfectly & under 5 years old | ✅ Sell locally | ⭐⭐⭐ | +$50-$500 |
| Works but minor issues/older | ✅ Donate | ⭐⭐ | Free (tax deduction possible) |
| Broken screen or dead | ✅ Recycle | ⭐⭐⭐ | Free-$50 |
| CRT (tube TV) | ✅ Specialized recycling | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | $15-$50 |
| Sentimental value | ✅ Creative reuse project | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Varies |
What to do with old TVs depends entirely on its condition and your patience. Personally, I prioritize recycling unless I can sell within a week. Remember: responsible disposal keeps toxins out of landfills. Just last month, I helped my neighbor haul his broken TV to recycling rather than dumping it illegally. Felt good doing it right.
Final Pro Tips
- Take photos before moving TVs - protects against damage claims if selling
- Remove stands/wall mounts separately - they often have separate resale value
- Always transport TVs upright - laying flat risks screen cracks (ask me how I know)
- Schedule recycling/donation ASAP - old TVs become furniture ghosts that linger for years
Whatever you decide about what to do with old television sets, just don't let it become that dusty monument in your basement. Take action this weekend - future you will be grateful for the reclaimed space.